Baptist Health College Partners

With LRSD for LPN Program for High School Students

Baptist Health College Little Rock and the Little Rock School District announced a partnership in October to expand student career opportunities and grow the health care workforce through an LPN program at the Metropolitan Career Technical Center.

This program allows students from six area high schools to earn health care certifications, gain hands-on clinical experience, and graduate workforce-ready.

The demand for skilled workers in health care has never been higher, and this partnership exemplifies how education and industry can come together to address that need.

Baptist Health is honored to continue its collaboration with LRSD, offering students not just credentials but a strong foundation to build future careers in health care.

Metropolitan Career Technical Center was awarded a $192,158 grant from the Office of Skills Development, a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce, which pays the fees for participating students to attend the LPN program at no cost.

“This partnership is a game-changer. Our students now have the chance to earn a diploma, a college degree, and an LPN license — all before they even turn 18,” said Shameka Montgomery, director of career and technical education for LRSD.

“We thank Baptist Health for their dedication and the many individuals from both organizations who worked tirelessly over the past two years to make this vision a reality. Programs like this make it possible for students to explore their futures without financial burden,” she said.